Your Essential Guide to Cycling in Brittany, France

Dreaming of a cycling holiday in France? Brittany is perfectly suited for cycling trips, from coastal paths and greenways to small towns where a break from the bike presents a chance to encounter authentic French culture. When you cycle the north Brittany coast, you'll encounter breathtaking natural scenery, secluded beaches and historic lighthouses. Use the Nantes-Brest canal as your guide for exploring Brittany's scenic rural interior, where waterside picnics provide the setting for family memories. Picturebook castles also delight family members of all ages in towns like Châteaugiron and Vitré. Discover it all on two wheels.

• Brittany has some of the best road cycling holidays in Europe
• History, nature and culture combine amid Brittany's diverse landscapes
• Explore coastlines and islands for French cycling holidays by the sea
• The Nantes to Brest canal route takes you right through the heart of Brittany
• Many Brittany cycle routes are flat, making them for ideal family cycling holidays in France

Nestled in a natural bay, Saint-Brieuc provides an excellent starting point for families to discover the lighthouses, beaches and charming fishing villages of the Côtes-d'Armor. The wide sandy stretch of Les Rosaires and the rugged, sheltered cove of Plage de Lermot are both reachable within an hour by bike from Saint-Brieuc. In around two and a half hours, you can encounter the two lighthouses of Cap Fréhel perched on dramatic sandstone cliffs. The older one dates back more than three centuries, while the powerful newer lighthouse was built in the 1950s.

To the west of Saint-Brieuc, saddle up for a day or two exploring the Côte de Granit Rose (Pink Granite Coast), where puffins and other seabirds perch on rocks that almost glow with naturally vivid colours. Paimpol, two or three hours by bike from Saint-Brieuc, is not only a starting point for this stunning scenery, but also has its own allure as a classic harbour town where fishing boats bob on the water. From Paimpol, another two or three hours of cycling will take you to the heart of the Pink Granite Coast at Ploumanac'h.

Head 40 minutes north from Paimpol for the short ferry ride to Île de Bréhat, nicknamed the "Island of Flowers". Bréhat, actually two small islands linked by a bridge, is a dream for family cycling as there are no cars. Spend a day taking in the sights and scents of hydrangeas, eucalyptus, mimosas and many other flowers. In the south of the island, take a break from the saddle to walk on the beach, admire the harbour and stroll through the village filled with homes that once belonged to sailors and privateers. Other Brittany islands for cycling include windswept Ouessant, and Belle-Ile-en-Mer with its dozens of beaches.

Explore the voies vertes, the green routes in Brittany that have been repurposed from former railway lines and canalside towpaths. The famous Nantes-Brest canal has several such family-friendly greenways, most of which are nice and flat. This often scenic route runs right through the heart of Brittany, passing through woodland, locks and medieval settlements. Slow travel by bike allows your family to immerse yourselves in it all.

The entire route is actually more than 350 km long and is part of the even longer La Vélodyssée, a long-distance cycle trail that runs for more than 1,200 km from Roscoff to the Spanish border. But if your French cycling holiday doesn't cover such lengthy routes, you can still discover memorable sections. Freewheel into Pontivy, roughly halfway between Nantes and Brest, to uncover half-timbered houses and medieval streets, as well as riverside rides along the Blavet.

When families spend time together cycling in Brittany, memories take shape along France's country lanes with idyllic picnic spots waiting to be discovered. Another reason why Brittany is wonderful for family cycling is the chance to explore small-town trails that take you off the beaten track, simply enjoying the Breton countryside.

With Rennes as your base, cycle out for around 50 minutes northeast towards Chevaigné, via Betton, a quintessential small town where you can drop into a crêperie or boulangerie to grab supplies for a picnic by the lake. The section between Betton and Chevaigné takes you through farmland and woodland, and past colourful canal boats on the Canal d'Ille-et-Rance. Take the train back from Chevaigné and finish a full day of wellness in the hammam at Novotel Spa Rennes Centre Gare.

If younger family members are feeling energetic and don't need a train ride back, cycle 80 minutes northwest of Rennes to the captivating 11 locks at Hédé-Bazouges, with a discovery centre nearby in a former lock-keeper's cottage.

Biking an hour southeast of Rennes, towards Châteaugiron, provides a chance to encounter more of Brittany's small towns and countryside, while also delving into Châteaugiron Castle. Kids will love this spot for its fairytale-style turrets. Longer rides to Josselin to the west and Vitré to the east are also rewarded with visits to storybook castles, and return-journey trains are an easy option from both of these locations.

Brittany has a pleasant, temperate climate that never gets too hot or too cold. Winters are mild, and summer heat rarely gets above 30°C. Brittany gets rain at any time of year, but there are plenty of sunny days, and rain just means an excuse to find a cosy café.

Consider cycling in Brittany, France, during June or early September, when the weather is still warm but there are fewer summer crowds. Most days will still be warm enough for the beach in September.

Essentials include a lightweight waterproof jacket for sudden showers, and shades and sun cream for when the sun comes out again. Padded cycling shorts, gloves and breathable clothing make riding more comfortable, and a helmet is, of course, crucial. Bring a bike lock, a small repair kit and front and rear lights to keep your bike safe and running smoothly.

It's easy to rent bicycles in Brittany, with bigger cities and even some small towns offering shops where you can hire bikes and equipment. Some online cycle hire services will also deliver to your accommodation. If you're searching for bike repair stations in towns and cities, look for the Accueil Vélo mark denoting trusted providers. The same locations may also provide helmet hire and cycle maps.

Cycling this 1,300 km route would take around two weeks for experienced cyclists and up to a month for casual riders and families. Waymarked trails make navigation easy.